What type of linkage is present in nucleic acid?

Question

Answer

The polarity in DNA and RNA is derived from the oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the backbone. Nucleic acids are formed when nucleotides come together through phosphodiester linkages between the 5' and 3' carbon atoms.

Answer

Phosphodiester linkages...

Hydrogen bond in between Base pairs. The polarity in DNA and RNA is derived from the oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the backbone. Nucleic acids are formed when nucleotides come together through phosphodiesterlinkages between the 5' and 3' carbon atoms.

Answer

Three types of linkages are mainly present in DNA, first hydrogen bonding in base pairs (two hydrogen bonds between adenine and thymine and three hydrogen bonds between guanine and cytosine), second, glycosidic linkage between deoxyribose sugar and base to form nucleoside and third, phosphoester bond between nucleoside and phosphate group.
In RNA, ribose sugar is attached to bases via glycosidic bond, other bonds are same.

Answer

Nucleic Acid Linkage

Nucleic acids are macromolecules that play a vital role in storing and transmitting genetic information in living organisms. There are two types of nucleic acids: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). These molecules are composed of nucleotides, which are monomers that consist of a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Phosphodiester Linkage

The primary linkage found in nucleic acids is known as a phosphodiester linkage. This linkage connects the sugar molecules in adjacent nucleotides, creating a polymer chain. The phosphodiester linkage forms between the 3' carbon of one nucleotide and the 5' carbon of the next nucleotide.

Formation of Phosphodiester Linkage

The formation of a phosphodiester linkage occurs through a condensation reaction, also known as a dehydration synthesis reaction. During this reaction, a water molecule is eliminated as the hydroxyl group (-OH) of the 3' carbon in one nucleotide reacts with the phosphate group attached to the 5' carbon of another nucleotide. This reaction results in the formation of a phosphodiester bond and the release of a water molecule.

Importance of Phosphodiester Linkage

1. Stability: The phosphodiester linkage provides stability to the nucleic acid molecule by forming a strong covalent bond between adjacent nucleotides. This stability is crucial for the integrity and function of DNA and RNA.

2. Directionality: The phosphodiester linkage gives nucleic acids a specific directionality. The 5' end of the nucleic acid molecule has an unbound phosphate group, while the 3' end has an unbound hydroxyl group. This directionality is essential for processes such as DNA replication and transcription.

3. Information Storage: The sequence of nucleotides in a nucleic acid molecule carries genetic information. The phosphodiester linkage ensures that this information is maintained and transmitted accurately through successive generations.

Conclusion

In summary, nucleic acids contain phosphodiester linkages that connect the sugar molecules in adjacent nucleotides. These linkages are formed through condensation reactions and provide stability, directionality, and information storage to the nucleic acid molecule. Understanding the structure and function of nucleic acid linkages is crucial for comprehending the fundamental principles of genetics and molecular biology.

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